The Tomorrow-Test Principle - or - How Plotz’s Law Helps You Make Better Decisions: What You Wouldn’t Want to Do Tomorrow, You Won’t Want to Do in Six Months
Imagine someone asks you today to give a keynote speech in six months, help friends move, participate in a project, or accept a dinner invitation from distant acquaintances. You glance at your calendar, see all those empty weeks, and think, “Sure, why not? There’s plenty of time until then.” Welcome to the trap of Plotz’s Law.
David Plotz*, journalist and master of pragmatic decision-making, gave us a brilliant perspective on time and priorities with his simple yet profound “law”: If you can’t honestly say yes to something for tomorrow, you shouldn’t agree to it for the distant future either.
Sound harsh? It’s not. It’s an act of self-care.
The Allure of “Someday”
The problem with the future is that it always feels comfortably far away. “In six months, I’ll definitely have more energy.” “By then, I’ll be better organized.” Or my personal classic: “Things will calm down in the fall.” (Spoiler: Nope. They never do.)
But here’s the catch: The future isn’t some shiny, perfect version of our lives. The future is usually... just like the present. With the same obligations, the same fatigue, and the same endless to-do lists. So why do we think we’ll be thrilled or at least willing to do something then, when we already dread it now?
Yes, we can predict the future. Just look at your present, and you’ll know exactly what your future looks like. It’s like “you are what you eat,” but for time.
The Power of an Honest Tomorrow
Plotz’s Law brings us back to the present. It forces us to make decisions not through the rose-colored glasses of the future, but through the pragmatic lens of tomorrow. If the idea of giving a talk tomorrow doesn’t excite you, it won’t in six months either. And if the thought of baking cookies for your kid’s group tomorrow feels unbearable, you’re not going to feel differently in half a year. This isn’t about “Maybe I’ll feel more like it then.” It’s about honesty. Our today is tomorrow’s tomorrow.
The Freedom of Saying No
Of course, saying no isn’t always easy. We don’t want to disappoint others. We don’t want to miss out. And let’s be honest: Sometimes saying yes feels like a validation of our importance. But no isn’t a loss. It’s a liberation. It creates space for saying yes to things that truly matter to us, things we’re genuinely excited about. Things that bring us joy or help us grow.
Before you agree to anything far off in the future, ask yourself this one question:
“Would I say yes if it were tomorrow - or next week?”
A Balancing Act
Here’s the “Yes, but!”: Plotz’s Law isn’t a free pass to say no to everything that’s uncomfortable or challenging. On the contrary, growth often happens outside the comfort zone. The art lies in distinguishing between an authentic no and a knee-jerk avoidance of challenges. Sometimes it’s important to muster the courage to do something that feels uncomfortable in the short term but can have a positive, long-lasting impact. Plotz’s Law reminds us to be honest with ourselves - while also keeping the bigger picture in mind.
What Happens When We Follow Plotz’s Law?
Life becomes simpler. Clearer. You shoulder less of that vague, sticky stress of overcommitting to future obligations. And you stop stuffing your calendar to the brim. You leave yourself room to breathe—and even to do nothing. Our calendars need breaks.
And, here’s the best part, you become better at living in the moment. Because you’re not constantly stuck on the endless merry-go-round of “Why did I agree to that?” and hating yourself for landing in yet another mess of your own making.
So next time you face a decision, ask yourself this simple question: Would I want to do this tomorrow? If the answer isn’t a resounding yes, then politely decline. Smile, and know you’ve just given yourself the gift of an honest tomorrow. Because if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. And if it’s not a hell yes today, it won’t magically become one in nine months either.
*David Plotz developed this principle as a personal decision-making tool based on his experiences as a journalist and father, to avoid unnecessary commitments. It’s often recommended as a tool for minimalism and time management, helping people set realistic priorities and value their time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Henriette Frädrich is a keynote speaker, moderator, and storytelling expert. With energy, humor, and depth, she takes her audience on a journey through impactful topics: from change and resilience to motivation, innovation, artificial intelligence, communication, and leadership.
Her mission? To simplify complexity, open minds, and touch hearts. Whether on big stages or in interactive workshops, she combines profound knowledge with emotional storytelling, creating lasting “aha” moments. Her talks are captivating experiences that inspire and empower people to take their next step with confidence.
